Gaddafi's forces bombard own country

Tripoli, Mar 9: The situation in Libya is growing tense with each passing day. With protesters raising the pitch for Gaddafi's ouster, the army has intensified its offensive against the rebels.

The Libyan army has brought tanks and warplanes into attack and crush the revolts against the four-decade old regime of Muammar Gaddafi. Alarmed by the usage of such brutal power on civilians, the US and other western countries are mulling to clamp no-fly zone to thwart Gaddafi's forces use of force.

Residents in the rebel-conquered cities of Libya cowered from the indiscriminate onslaught on Mar 8. Many buildings have also been destroyed while more than 50 tanks are still indulged in bombardment against the protesters.

Foreign journalists have been barred from entering the country without official escorts and as such the extents of damage to live and property can only be expected to be more than what official records suggest. Reports estimate that more than 7,000 people have already been killed.

Muammar Gaddafi has called the rebels drug-addicted youths and emphasised that he will die in Libya than surrender. There were also contradicting reports in the Arabian media which said that Gaddafi was looking for an exit deal and may quit soon if his demands are agreed upon.

With the usage of such heavy power against them, rebels are reported to have simmered down. The protests were another manifestation of a wave of dissent against long-standing regimes in the Arab world. Egypt and Tunisia have already seen governments toppled due to such protests. It now remains to be seen if the protesters carry on or western powers come to their aid and end the violence.